AU2012244187B2 - Life-saving apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A user mountable controller for use during sport related activities and a method for ensuring safe advancement of a user during a sport related activity are disclosed. The 5 controller comprises a controller housing, means for mounting the housing on a user, means for setting one or more boundaries of a predetermined range within which a user can safely advance during a sport related activity, sensor means and means for transmitting said wireless 10 signal. The controller further comprises a processor in communication with the sensor means for generating a wireless signal when the user passes one or more of the set boundaries and is in actual or impending distress. The method involves mounting to the user a controller that 15 senses when the user is outside the set boundaries, setting the boundaries and transmitting a wireless signal when the user passes outside the set boundaries. 3740279_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 24/10/12 4! Fig. 1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): SOSMART RESCUE LTD. Invention Title: Life-saving apparatus The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it know to us: - 2 USER MOUNTABLE CONTROLLER FOR USE DURING SPORT RELATED ACTIVITIES AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME Divisional Application This application is a divisional application of the 5 Australian Application No. 2009222455 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to life saving apparatus. The invention, more specifically, relates to a 10 user mountable controller for indicating user distress. The controller may be applied, although not exclusively, to swimming and hiking activities. Background of the Invention Life-saving swimming garments are designed to 15 decrease the number of drowning cases amongst children while swimming in the open sea or in swimming-pools. Swimming in the open sea requires overcoming safety problems, such as powerful drift currents and swirls, which are risky even for a skilled swimmer. 20 During the swimming season, swimming areas in the sea and swimming-pools are enormously crowded, and therefore, the ability of lifeguards to notice an emergency situation is limited, particularly in case of a drowning child who is not a skilled swimmer. It requires only a few seconds 25 for a small child to disappear underwater without any attention paid by the adults in the vicinity, and especially the attention of the lifeguard who has to notice any exceptional or emergency situation. Also, toddlers, who have been left unsupervised in a bath for 30 few moments, can lose their balance, while sitting, and drown, even though it is very shallow water. 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 3 Several approaches to overcome drowning problems use buoyant clothing, e.g., inflatable arm bands, annular flotation members, etc. All these inflatable devices generally limit the mobility of a young swimmer so that he 5 cannot enjoy the swimming activity. Therefore, inflatable devices are usually not worn by the children who have developed some swimming skills. Those swimming skills are often not sufficient to function in panic situations or at momentary lapsing of the swimmer's capabilities. Moreover, 10 in most cases, toddlers or babies take off the inflatable device or refuse to put it on. JP 2,241,890 discloses a floating device for rescuing a drowning person. The floating device is a necklace shaped float tube that fits, before inflation, onto the 15 neck of the swimmer. The necklace-shaped float tube is attached to a miniature sealed sack by means of an air pipe. The sealed sack contains miniature timer, an electronic circuit and an air bottle. The air bottle comprises a valve which is located in the air bottle 20 stopper. The valve is connected to the electronic circuit which is attached to the miniature timer by wiring. A water-sensor that floats on the water surface is connected to the electronic circuit, by a wire. When the swimmer is drowning, the water-sensor wire is forced against the 25 water-sensor which is sunk down and activates the miniature timer. The miniature timer is adjusted by the swimmer to a threshold underwater time. When the threshold time lapses, a signal is sent to the electrical circuit which, in turn, sends a command to the valve to open. 30 After the valve is opened, the air from the bottle flows to the float tube through the air pipe, and inflates it. Thus, the inflated float tube floats to the swimmer up above the water surface level for breathing. However, there are some drawbacks associated with this device. When 35 a child is playing in the sea or in a swimming-pool where the water is shallow, the danger of drowning still exists. 6501202_1 (GHTatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 4 In this case, the floating/rescuing device may be useless when a child is lying unconscious at the bottom of shallow swimming-pool or sea. The floating device may not inflate because the water-sensor is not deep enough to create the 5 appropriate force between the water-sensor and the sealed sack, which is needed to operate the miniature timer. On the other hand, a child who is a more skilled swimmer wants to dive more than a few centimeters below the water surface level without restrictive devices. Using the 10 device described hereinabove, restricts the swimmer to stay close to the water surface level. Thus, false alarms may be caused. An additional drawback of such devices is their arrangement/structure. Swimming or paddling within an 15 aquatic environment should be safe and comfortable feeling. This floating device, when inflated, may apply pressure on the neck and may cause blood flow and breathing problems. Furthermore, the device's components are attached to the float tube by an air pipe and a wire 20 that hang freely from the neck, thereby interrupting swimming. WO 2007/038794 discloses free-diving safety apparatus provided with a customized emergency flotation device that automatically inflates under a number of life threatening 25 circumstances. This apparatus is not suitable for children and toddlers who are incapable of engaging in free diving. Also, this apparatus is incapable of providing indication whether a toddler has fallen backwardly or forwardly into the water. 30 It is an object to provide a user mountable controller that determines when a user is in distress and that takes an action. It is desirable to provide an inflatable life-saving swimming garment for children and toddlers which is 35 operable automatically in an actual emergency situation. 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 5 It is also desirable to provide an inflatable life saving swimming garment for children, which is instantly operable when the child is in distress. It is desirable to provide an inflatable life-saving 5 swimming garment for children and toddlers which floats them up with the head directed upward. It is also desirable to provide an inflatable life saving swimming garment for children and toddlers that is reliable. 10 Summary The present invention relates to life-saving apparatus. In one embodiment, the life saving apparatus comprises a controller mountable on a user, for analyzing data related to said user and for initiating a life saving 15 operation after said user has been in an actual or impending distress for a predetermined time; and an orientation sensor for sensing the angle of the longitudinal axis of said user with respect to a horizontal plane and for sending a first signal to said 20 controller to initiate said life saving operation when said angle is indicative of a predetermined angular deviation for a first predetermined threshold time. In one aspect of this embodiment, the controller is a waterproof controller and is mountable on a user disposed 25 in an aquatic environment. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a) an inflatable part (optionally with separated inflatable sections that are) attached to a garment worn by an upper body part of the user, for causing 30 the user to float while being in distress such that his head is upwardly directed, and for creating, when inflated, a volume difference between the upper body part and a lower body part; and 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 6 b) an inflating system, which comprises: i. a gas tank with compressed gas for inflating, whenever required, said inflatable part; ii. a controllable valve connecting between said gas 5 tank and said inflatable part, for allowing, whenever required, said compressed gas to inflate said inflatable part; iii. an electric or electronic controller for analyzing data related to the user and opening 10 said valve after the user has been in an actual or impending distress for a predetermined time; and iv. a battery for supplying electrical power for the operation of said controller and said valve. 15 The inflatable part may be attached to the swimming garment by gluing or sewing. The inflatable life-saving swimming garment may be suitable to fit the swimmer's size. The inflatable part and the inflation system may be worn on an exposed upper 20 body, without the swimming garment. The inflatable part may be connected to the gas tank directly by a valve or indirectly, via a valve and an air pipe. The separated inflatable parts are inflated by one or more valves that branch out of the gas tank. 25 The gas tank may further include a pressure sensor for sensing the amount of gas remained. The inflating system may further comprise an additional valve that is manually operable by pulling a button loop that is connected to the additional valve by wiring. 30 The controller may comprise: a) electrical contacts for providing indication regarding salt-water and pool water; 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 7 b) a depth-meter for measuring the present depth and a threshold depth; c) a digital-timer for measuring the time for being at, or deeper than, the threshold depth; 5 d) an orientation sensor for sensing the deviation angle, such as a negative angle, from the vertical position, related to the water's surface level; e) a central processing unit (CPU) with software for analyzing the data inserted and received from the 10 inflation system, for processing the data that is inserted and received; f) a memory card for saving data related to the swimmer; g) a threshold depth-meter display for displaying the depth remains before starting the digital timer; 15 h) a digital-timer display for displaying the time remains before sending the signal to the electronically controlled valve to open; i) a depth display for displaying the current depth; j) a light button for illuminating the controller 20 whenever desired; k) a digital-timer adjusting button for adjusting the threshold time; 1) a depth-meter adjusting button for adjusting the threshold depth; 25 m) a self-test button for testing the inflation system; n) a display for operability of the inflation system; 0) a battery for supplying electrical energy to the inflation system; and p) a battery status display for displaying the current 6501202_1 (GHTatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 8 status of the battery. The depth-meter is adjusted to threshold depth and the digital timer is adjusted to threshold time. Whenever the inflatable life-saving swimming garment is at, or 5 deeper than, the threshold depth, the CPU sends a signal to the digital timer to start count down. Whenever the inflatable life-saving swimming garment is at the threshold depth and the threshold time lapses, the CPU sends a signal to the electronically controlled valve to 10 open. The inflatable life-saving swimming garment may further comprise a signaling system, connected to the controller, to signal a swimmer in distress. The signaling system preferably comprises: 15 a) a balloon for signaling the swimmer; b) a tank with compressed lightweight connected to the controller for inflating the balloon; c) a pipe with a valve such as an electronically controlled valve, for connecting the gas tank to the 20 balloon; and d) a LED within the balloon to emit light whenever required. The pipe contains inside an electrical wire for conveying power to the LED from a battery or from the 25 controller. In one aspect of this embodiment, the signaling system may comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and a waterproof transceiver assembly, the controller operable to generate a wireless signal by which a user 30 location as sensed by said GPS unit is transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel. 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 9 In another aspect of this embodiment, the user may be a hiker and the life saving operation is the generation of a wireless signal transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel when the angle sensed by the 5 orientation sensor is indicative of a predetermined angular deviation that has been sensed within a predetermined period of time. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the life saving operation may be the emission of an audible alert 10 to a caretaker, the controller further comprising a sound alert device which is started when the orientation sensor sends a signal to the controller and the angle is indicative of a predetermined angular deviation for the predetermined time. 15 In another embodiment, there is provided a user mountable controller for use during sport related activities, comprising: a) a controller housing; b) means for mounting said housing on a user; 20 c) including an orientation sensor for sensing an angle of the longitudinal axis of said user with respect to a horizontal plane and for generating a first signal when said angle is greater than a predetermined negative value that is indicative that the head of 25 said user is below the feet of said user; d) a digital timer for detecting elapsed time following generation of said first signal or until said angle becomes less than said predetermined angle, and for generating a second signal when a predetermined 30 duration has elapsed; e) means for entering said predetermined negative angle and said predetermined duration; 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 10 f) a processor in communication with said sensor means and said digital, for activating said digital timer upon receiving said first signal and for generating an emergency signal upon receiving said second signal 5 to indicate that said user is in actual or impending distress as a result of being disposed at said predetermined negative angle for said predetermined duration; and g) means for wirelessly transmitting said emergency 10 signal. In one aspect of this embodiment, the sensor means further includes an acceleration sensor or an altitude sensor for detecting the acceleration of the user and for generating a third signal when the detected acceleration 15 is greater than a predetermined entered value or when a detected change in acceleration is greater than a predetermined entered value, the processor being operable to generate the emergency signal upon receiving the third signal. 20 In another aspect of this embodiment, the the user mountable controller furher includes means for setting one or more boundaries of a predetermined range within which the user can safely advance during a sport related activity and the sensor means is further operable to sense 25 when the user has passed outwardly from said one or more boundaries and to generate in response a fourth signal, the processor being operable to generate the emergency signal upon receiving the fourth signal. In one aspect of this embodiment, the controller may 30 further comprise means for entering a starting location of the user, wherein the digital timer is operable to measure time intervals and the processor is operable, based on data sensed by the sensor means, to determine a real time velocity vector which is indicative of motion of the user 35 and for thereby determining a relative location of the 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 11 user with respect to said starting location during a corresponding time interval. In another aspect, the processor defines an ending time of a time interval as a time when a change in 5 acceleration of the user is sensed. In a further aspect, the processor is operable to determine a real time velocity vector based on the acceleration sensor and on the orientation sensor. In an aspect of this embodiment, the acceleration 10 sensor is a three-dimensional acceleration sensor for sensing both the magnitude of acceleration and direction of motion of the user during the sport related activity, the processor determining a real time velocity vector based on the magnitude of acceleration and direction of 15 motion. In one aspect, the sensor means may comprise a GPS unit. In a further aspect, the transmitting means may comprise a transceiver assembly by which the wireless 20 signal is transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel. In another aspect of this embodiment, the transmitting means may comprise a sound alert device for emitting an audible alert to the user. 25 In another aspect, the transmitting means may comprise a transceiver assembly. In a further aspect, the controller housing and transceiver assembly may be waterproof, and the controller is mountable on a user disposed in an aquatic environment. 30 In yet another aspect, the sport related activity may be swimming and the means for entering a starting location of the user comprises one or more electrical contacts 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 12 which sense when a swimmer is first submerged in water, the processor being in communication with said one or more contacts and defining the starting location at a location whereat the swimmer is first submerged in water. 5 In another aspect of this embodiment, the controller further comprises a depth-meter for measuring the current depth of the user, a depth-meter adjusting button for adjusting a threshold depth, and the digital timer for counting down to a threshold time when the user is 10 submerged deeper than or equal to said threshold depth, whereby the processor transmits a signal to a controllable valve connecting between a gas tank and an inflatable part attached to a garment worn by an upper body part of the user to open when said threshold time lapses and the user 15 is submerged deeper than or equal to said threshold depth. Additionally, the sport related activity may be hiking and the processor may also adapted to generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel when the acceleration 20 sensor senses a predetermined increase in acceleration within a predetermined period of time being indicative of a dangerous fall. In another aspect of this embodiment, the sport related activity may be hiking and the processor may also 25 adapted to generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel when the orientation sensor senses a predetermined angular deviation of the longitudinal axis of said hiker within a predetermined period of time being indicative of a 30 dangerous fall. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for ensuring safe advancement of a user during a sport related activity, comprising the steps of: (a) mounting a controller on a user prior to 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 13 participation in a sport related activity, said controller comprising: (i) sensor means including an orientation sensor for sensing an angle of the 5 longitudinal axis of said user with respect to a horizontal plane and for generating a first signal when said angle is greater than a predetermined negative value that is indicative that the head of said user is 10 below the feet of said user; (ii) a digital timer for detecting elapsed time following generation of said first signal or until said angle becomes less than said predetermined angle, and for generating a 15 second signal when a predetermined duration has elapsed; and (iii) a processor in communication with said sensor means and said digital timer; (b) performing, by the user, said a sport related 20 activity; (c) generating, by said processor, an emergency signal upon receiving said second signal to indicate that said user is in actual or impending distress as a result of being disposed at said 25 predetermined negative angle for said predetermined duration; and (d) wirelessly transmitting said emergency signal. In an aspect of this embodiment, the sport related activity is swimming or hiking. 30 Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 14 - Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment for children, according to one embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 2a is a front view of the inflatable life-saving 5 swimming garment for children, according to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 2b is a rear view of the inflatable life-saving swimming garment of Fig. 2a; - Fig. 3 is an illustration of the inflation system, 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 4 is an illustration of a controller, according to one embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment for children, according 15 to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 6a is a schematic illustration of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment for toddlers, according to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 6b is an illustration of a controller, according 20 to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 7a is a schematic illustration of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment for children with a signaling system, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 25 - Figure 7b is an illustration of the signaling system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 7c is an illustration of the signaling system according to a preferred embodiment of the present 30 invention - Fig. 8 is an illustration of a controller according to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the setting of a predetermined swimming range by means of the 35 controller of Fig. 8; - Fig. 10 is an illustration of a controller according to another embodiment of the present invention; 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 15 - Fig. 11 illustrates a method for determining whether a sportsman is advancing within a predetermined range; and - Fig. 12 schematically illustrates the setting of a 5 predetermined hiking range by means of the controller of Fig. 10. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The inflatable life-saving swimming garment of the present invention comprises an inflatable part that is 10 inflated using an inflation system, attached to it. For brevity, the term "inflatable life-saving swimming garment" and the term "swimming garment" will be used interchangeably in this application to describe the apparatus of the invention. 15 Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment 10 for children. Swimming garment 10 includes a zipper 11 for easier dressing, and a concealed inflatable part 12 which is attached to the shoulders and waist regions of the garment 10 by any 20 appropriate means. A small air tank 16 that contains compressed air is attached to the inflatable part 12 by an air pipe and an electronically controlled valve (not shown), which is controlled by controller 18. Controller 18 is composed of a depth-meter and a 25 digital-timer (not shown) that are synchronized. The depth-meter measures the water depth by sensing the underwater pressure and converts it into depth units. The depth meter, the digital-timer, and the valve are connected to controller 18 by wiring, and thus function as 30 an integrated device. Before the child enters the water with swimming garment 10, a self-test is done to verify that the equipment is intact. Afterward, a depth threshold and a time threshold are adjusted in the depth-meter and in the 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 16 digital-timer, respectively. The depth threshold is adjusted in accordance with the child's body dimensions. Because of safety considerations, the minimum depth threshold should be the distance between the child's chin 5 and his chest. The minimum time threshold should be adjusted by an adult. As long as the child wears swimming garment 10 and swims at the water surface level, the depth reading received by the controller 18 is smaller than the adjusted 10 depth threshold. If the child is submerged deeper than the depth threshold, an electronic signal from the depth-meter is sent to the digital-timer through controller 18. The digital-timer starts counting down toward the threshold time and continues, as long as the current depth is deeper 15 or equal to the depth threshold. When the threshold time has lapsed, an electronic signal is sent to controller 18 from the digital timer. Controller 18 processes the signal from the digital-timer and sends a command in the form of an electronic signal to 20 open the electronically controlled valve. After the electronically controlled valve is opened, the compressed air within air tank 16 expands into inflatable part 12 through the air pipe and inflates it. The upper body part of the child increases its volume 25 in accordance with the volume of inflatable part 12, while the child's lower body part volume remains constant. Thus, the volume difference between the two body parts causes a torque which rotates the child body around its center of mass, i.e. the waist. The child's body rotates around its 30 center of mass point until its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the water surface level. Therefore, while the inflatable part 12 inflates, the child starts rising up with is head directed up to the water surface level until he floats above it. The upper part of the child's 35 body is always directed up first, even when, initially, 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 17 the child's head is directed downwardly, towards the bottom of the body of water. The life saving apparatus of the present invention may be employed whether the child, or an adult user, is 5 totally or partially submerged in ocean water, lake water, swimming pool water, river water, and bath water. An embodiment of the swimming garment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 2a and 2b in front and rear views respectively, and is generally designated by 10 reference numeral 10. Fig 2a illustrates a swimming garment 10 which comprises an inflatable part 12 around the shoulders part and around the waist part with a small gap for zipper 11 in front, and instant operating button loop 25. Instant 15 operating button loop 25 is installed for cases in which the child who wears swimming garment 10 is in physical distress while swimming. Pulling the instant operating button loop 25 immediately inflates the swimming garment 10. Instant operating button loop 25 is attached to 20 mechanically operated valve 23 by wire 125, as shown in Figs. 2a and 2b. Mechanically operated valve 23 controls the air flow from air tank 16. Air tank 16 is connected to inflatable part 12 by an air pipe 21 that flows through path 123 as shown in Fig. 3. Pulling button loop 25 opens 25 the mechanically operated valve 23 instantly, and the compressed air within air tank 16 expands into inflatable part 12 through path 123 and inflates it. Inflatable part 12 comprises inflatable back-part 112 at the lower back part of swimming garment 10 exploiting maximum inflatable 30 regions. Inflatable back-part 112 and Inflatable part 12 inflates by the same air tank 16 and the same air pipe 21. As illustrated in Fig. 3, inflation system 30 is an example of a possible arrangement. Inflation system 30 comprises controller 18 for controlling the swimming 35 garment 10. Air tank 16 comprises compressed air for 6501202_1 (GHTatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 18 inflating inflatable part 12, air pipe 21 for conveying the air from air tank 16 to inflating inflatable part 12, electronically controlled valve 22 for keeping the compressed air within air tank 16, mechanically operated 5 valve 23 for instantly operated cases, wiring 122 for conveying the commands from controller 18 toward the electronically controlled valve 22, air tank pressure sensor 24 for announcing about the air amount in air tank 16, and wiring 116 for conveying the data concerning air 10 amount in air tank 16 to controller 18. Fig. 4 illustrates the controller 18 for adjusting and controlling the swimming garment 10. Controller 18 comprises: - electrical contacts 41 for operating the system, 15 and for providing indication about saltwater or pool water; - a digital-timer 142 and its related display for counting down the time for inflating the inflatable part 12; 20 - depth-meter 144 and its related display which displays the depth remains for starting digital timer 142, - a central processing unit (CPU) 43a for controlling inflatable system 30 and processing 25 the received data; - a memory card 43b for saving the inserted data; - a current depth display 49 for displaying the current depth; - a light button 40 for illuminating the controller 30 18 at night time; - a digital-timer adjusting button 42 for adjusting the time threshold; - a depth-meter adjusting button 44 for adjusting the depth threshold; 35 - a button 48 for inner test of inflatable system 30; 6501202_1 (GHTatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 19 - a display 47 for the operability of inflatable system 30, including two green lights for undamaged inflatable system 30, and a red light (or vice versa); 5 - a battery for supplying electrical energy, not shown in the figure; - a battery status display 45 for displaying the current status of the battery; - a wiring 122 for electrically connecting the 10 controller 18 to electronically operated valve 22; - a wiring 116 for electrically connecting the controller 18 to air tank pressure sensor 24. Electrical contacts 41 sense that the child is in aquatic environment with swimming garment 10. Electrical 15 contacts 41 prevent the operation of inflatable system 30 out of the water. While staying in non-aquatic environment electrical contacts 41 enables CPU 43a to operate and to correlate between controller 18 components. In addition, controller 18 senses the resistance between electrical 20 contacts 41. This resistance is analyzed by software within CPU 43a. This software is able to distinguish between pool water and salt-water and a suitable program will operate the swimming garment 10. Before the child enters the water, a self test of 25 inflation system 30 should be done by pressing self-test button 48. Pressing self-test button 48 sends an electrical signal which tests the intactness of controller 18 and inflation system 30 components. CPU 43a analyzes the data and outputs the test results by means of green 30 light for intact system and red light for improper operation. The green/red light appears on display 47. After checking the operability of the system, the adjustment of the depth threshold and the threshold time is done by means of depth-meter adjusting button 44 and 35 digital-timer adjusting button 42. 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 20 CPU 43a analyzes the time and depth adjustments, saves them in memory card 43b using the software installed in the CPU 43a, and displays them on display 142 and 144, respectively. In case when the depth shown in display 144 5 is zero, thus the depth is the depth threshold or deeper, CPU 43a receives a signal for starting digital timer 142. CPU 43a sends a signal to digital timer 142 which starts counting down the time threshold toward zero. When the threshold time lapses CPU 43a processes it 10 and sends a signal, through wiring 122, to electronically operated valve 22 to open. Consequently, air from air tank 16 flows into the inflatable part 12 through air pipe 21 and path 121 and inflates inflatable part 12. All the electronic components introduced hereinabove 15 are waterproofed by a suitable sealing material. This sealing material is attached to garment by any appropriate means such as gluing or sewing. Swimming garment 10 should provide comfort feeling while wearing it either during swimming or outside the 20 water, just the same as wearing a regular swimming suit. Swimming garment 10 is a re-usable apparatus, i.e. it can be used many times after it has been inflated. Therefore, it requires emptying the air of inflatable part 12 by opening valve 160, and afterwards to repeat the 25 abovementioned process before re-using. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the inflatable life-saving swimming garment 500, which is only an inflatable part 12 connected to inflation system 30. This inflatable part 12 can be worn on a naked or dressed 30 child. Inflatable life-saving swimming garment 500 comprises an inflatable part 12, a buckle 550 for fastening the inflatable life-saving swimming garment 500, and inflation system 30. Inflation system 30 operates as described 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 21 hereinabove and comprises the same components. Inflating part 12 may consist of one or more inflatable parts in case one of them has been punctured. Each inflatable part is connected to the air tank by a corresponding valve. 5 Inflatable life-saving swimming garment 500 is also instantly operable manually by button loop 25, which is connected to the mechanically operated valve and inflatable part 12 within Inflation system 30 by means of 10 wire 125. Figs. 6a and 6b show an inflatable life-saving swimming garment 600 for toddlers, and controller 618. These toddlers are not considered to be swimmers, since they can drown even in a bath without care of an adult. In 15 addition, the steadiness of toddler either when sitting or standing is problematic. Thus, while the toddler enters the water his ability to stabilize himself becomes a difficult action. Consequently, the toddler may fall back or forward into the water easily, without the ability to 20 help himself, unless an adult is in the area to take care of him. Therefore, controller 618 herein is upgraded with an orientation sensor 644 instead of the depth-meter used hereinabove. The orientation sensor 644 senses the 25 toddler's deviation from the vertical position, relatively to the water surface level. In case the toddler is alone in water and falls forward or backward, the orientation sensor 644 sends two electrical signals, one for starting the digital-timer 30 142, the other to start a sound alert device (not shown). The digital-timer counts down the threshold time (in this case, a very short time) toward the zero while the sound alert device announces the caring adult about the emergency situation of the toddler. In any event, when the 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 22 threshold time lapses, the inflatable part 12 inflates and floats the toddler up above the water surface level with his head directed upwardly. If desired, the apparatus may employ controller 618 5 without use of an inflatable part, in order to audibly alert a caretaker when the toddler deviates from a vertical position and his head is in danger of falling into bath water, into swimming pool water, or into sea water. Controller 618 may be mounted on the chest, on an 10 arm, or on any desired bodily part of the toddler. Similarly the apparatus may comprise controller 18 illustrated in Fig. 4 without use of an inflatable part, in order to audibly alert a caretaker that a child swimmer is submerged deeper than or equal to a threshold depth. 15 Another embodiment of the inflatable life-saving swimming garment is the use of an orientation sensor for children in addition to the depth meter. The orientation sensor detects situations in which the child longitudinal body's axis is at predefined negative angle with respect 20 to the water surface level (with his head directed in the opposite direction to the water surface level) and below it. In case the child is in a predefined negative angle and not at the threshold depth, a signal is sent to the digital-timer to start counting down the time toward the 25 zero. Another case is when the child is at a predefined negative angle and also at the threshold depth, then the timer also gets a signal to start counting down. After the digital-timer has finished counting down, the inflation system 30 will work as already described. 30 Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c show another embodiment of an inflatable life-saving swimming garment 700. This embodiment discloses signaling system 719 which inflates a colored and lightened balloon that is emitted out of swimming garment 700 for signaling for assistance in a 35 predefined time after the child has sunk below the 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 23 threshold depth or the angle of his longitudinal axis with respect to the water surface has become greater than a predetermined angular deviation. Signaling system 719 comprises wiring 70 for 5 connecting controller 718 to signaling system 719, a tank 76 with compressed lightweight gas (such as helium), electronically operated valve 74 for keeping the gas within the tank 76 in high pressure, predetermined length of rolled up pipe 78 that contains electrical wire within 10 it, a miniature LED 77 and a colored balloon 79. Before the threshold time is adjusted, the timer in signaling system 719 is adjusted by adjusting button 42 and saved in memory card 43b. After the predefined time lapses, an electronic signal is sent to electronically operated valve 15 74 to open. After electronically operated valve 74 has been opened, the lightweight gas from tank 76 flows through rolled up pipe 78 to balloon 79 and inflates it. While the lightweight gas flows through the rolled up pipe 78, the 20 compressed gas causes balloon 79 to inflate and simultaneously to jump out of the swimming garment 700. When electronically operated valve 74 receives the electronic signal to open, electrical current flows through an inner electric wire located inside pipe 78 and 25 lights LED 77. Consequently, the distressed child is signaled by a lightened and colored balloon which enables the lifeguard to save the child's life before the inflatable part 12 inflates and by that saving very important time. In case the lifeguard or any other adult 30 has not noticed the distressed child, the inflatable part 12 will inflate after the predefined threshold time and will float the child up above the water surface level. The signaling system may also comprise, as shown in Fig. 8, a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit 847 and a 35 waterproof transceiver assembly 849, which are mounted in 6501202_1 (GHTatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 24 controller 818. If a child swimmer, for example, has swum for a predetermined period time stored in CPU 843 and his whereabouts are unknown, the CPU generates a signal S that is indicative of the instantaneous location of the swimmer 5 as determined by GPS unit 847 and commands transmitting assembly 849 to transmit signal S to a receiving station, whereupon safety personnel are dispatched to retrieve the swimmer. A balloon may also be emitted a predetermined time after signal S has been transmitted, to further 10 assist in locating the swimmer. By means of GPS unit 847, the swimmer or a caretaker thereof can set a predetermined swimming range within which the swimmer can safely swim without concern of being in danger, of being in risk of danger, or of being 15 excessively tired. Various buttons such as buttons 831-833 may be used to set the predetermined swimming range. For example, function button 831 may be used to select a desired function, such as starting location, range in the x-direction, and range in the y-direction. By continuously 20 depressing button 832, a numerical value is adjusted on display 839 and may then be entered into the memory of CPU 843 by means of button 833. The starting location may be automatically entered by means of electrical contacts 41 (Fig. 4), which sense when the swimmer is first submerged 25 in the water, whereupon CPU 843 receives from GPS unit 847 the starting location. The buttons may be locked by depressing a predetermined sequence of buttons, or by mechanical means. Alternatively, the predetermined swimming range may be set by transmitting a wireless 30 signal T to transceiver 849 from an external electronic device. When the swimmer swims beyond the predetermined swimming range as detected by GPS unit 847, CPU 843 generates a signal S which is transmitted to a receiving station. 35 Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the utility of controller 818 shown in Fig. 8. When the waterproof 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 25 controller is mounted on the body of a child swimmer 821 or on a swimming garment worn by swimmer 821, the caretaker enters a predetermined swimming range R, e.g. tens of meters, from a starting point 819 which is 5 indicative of an estimated range within which swimmer 821 can safely swim without concern of being swept away into deeper water by undertow 829. Since swimming range R is generally estimated as being perpendicular to beach shore 827, the caretaker enters the X and Y values from starting 10 point 819 which correspond to range R. It will be appreciated that an experienced swimmer can enter a much longer range on the order of hundreds of meters or several kilometers which corresponds to a known personal fatigue level or a known danger zone. A signal 15 may be transmitted from the controller, which may be worn on the wrist, to a receiving station to initiate a rescue operation when the swimmer swims beyond the predetermined range, as determined by the CPU in conjunction with the inputs received from the GPS unit. Alternatively, an 20 audible signal is transmitted to the swimmer after swimming beyond the predetermined range in order to be alerted that his swimming direction should be changed. Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein controller 848 can determine whether a 25 swimmer has swum beyond a predetermined range without use of a GPS unit. In this embodiment, waterproof controller 848 comprises an electronic acceleration sensor 856 for sensing the instantaneous acceleration of the swimmer, digital timer 142 for determining the duration of each 30 change in acceleration, and an electronic orientation sensor 644 for sensing the instantaneous direction of the swimmer. Alternatively, acceleration sensor 856 may be a three-dimensional acceleration sensor from which the instantaneous direction may be derived, rendering a 35 separate orientation sensor unnecessary. CPU 843 is therefore able to compile an accumulated log of motion of 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 26 the swimmer, including direction and velocity, so that the instantaneous location of the swimmer can also be determined. When the swimmer swims beyond a predetermined swimming range as set by buttons 831-833, CPU 843 5 generates a signal S, which may be transmitted to a receiving station to initiate a rescue operation, or alternatively, may be transmitted to the swimmer himself. A method for determining the instantaneous location of a swimmer by means of an electronic acceleration sensor 10 is illustrated in Fig. 11. After the starting location of the swimmer is indicated in step 73 by means of buttons 831-833 (Fig. 10) or by means of electrical contacts 41 (Fig. 4) for sensing when the swimmer is first submerged in the water, the predetermined range relative to the 15 starting location is entered in step 75 by means of buttons 831-833 or by means of an external electronic device. When the swimmer starts to swim in step 77, his acceleration increases and is sensed by the acceleration sensor in step 79. The CPU then determines his velocity in 20 step 81 for the duration between starting time to and time ti, at which time his acceleration changes. Since the direction of the swimmer is also known between time to and time ti and is received in step 83, the CPU calculates the velocity vector during the given time interval. The 25 distance traversed by the swimmer from the starting location, which is derived from the velocity vector, is also calculated, and therefore the CPU determines in step 85 the location of the swimmer at time ti relative to the starting location. 30 The CPU repeats in step 87 this procedure for each subsequent time interval during which the acceleration of the swimmer changes from a previous time interval. If for example, the acceleration of the swimmer is zero, the CPU determines that the swimmer is advancing at a constant 35 velocity, and the previously determined velocity vector is extended for the given time interval and the relative 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 27 location of the swimmer is adjusted, until an additional change in acceleration is sensed. If, however, an acceleration of zero is sensed following a time interval during which the sensed acceleration was negative, the CPU 5 determines that the swimmer has stopped swimming and his relative location will therefore not be adjusted for that time interval. A signal, whether transmitted to a receiving station to initiate a rescue operation or to the swimmer himself, 10 is generated in step 89 when the instantaneous relative location of the swimmer is such that it is indicative that the swimmer has passed the predetermined range. It will be appreciated that a balloon may be emitted, a predetermined time following generation of the signal, 15 from a swimming garment worn by the swimmer by means of the signaling system illustrated in Fig. 7b, to assist in locating the swimmer. Additionally, an inflatable part attached to the swimming garment may be inflated when the CPU determines that the swimmer is submerged deeper than 20 or equal to a previously set threshold depth. In another embodiment of the invention, the previously described life saving apparatus may be used by a hiker. As shown in Fig. 12, a hiker 861 may employ 25 controller 618 illustrated in Fig. 6b, controller 818 illustrated in Fig. 8, or controller 848 illustrated in Fig. 10 when advancing on a trail, such as climbing mountain 872. The controller may be mounted on a body part or on the clothing of hiker 861, or may be attached to a 30 dedicated garment worn by the hiker. An emergency signal S will be generated by the controller and will be transmitted to a receiving station if hiker 861 falls a predetermined depth within a predetermined period of time, as sensed by acceleration sensor 856, GPS unit 847, or by 35 a suitable altitude sensor, or if the angle of the 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 28 longitudinal axis of the hiker with respect to a horizontal plane changes by predetermined angular deviation within a predetermined period of time, as sensed by orientation sensor 644 or a three-dimensional 5 acceleration sensor 856. Hiker 861 may also employ the apparatus to set a predetermined range R while advancing on a trail 873, to advantageously determine whether he is advancing in the correct direction or whether he has strayed from the 10 trail. Hiker 861 may enter the X and Z values, and if needed, the Y values, corresponding to range R from starting point 869, and the method illustrated in Fig. 11 may be performed in order to determine whether he is advancing within the boundaries which he entered. Hiker 15 861 may also enter a selected deviation value, to take into account an accepted level of human error. If the predetermined range is passed, hiker 861 will be alerted that he is advancing in an incorrect direction, and that he is to search again for trail 873. 20 It will be appreciated that GPS unit 847 may also be used to determine whether the hiker has strayed from the trail. It will also be appreciated that any other person involved in a sport related activity can employ the apparatus of the invention to determine whether he is 25 advancing within a predetermined range. While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous 30 equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 35 description of the invention, except where the context 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 29 requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but 5 not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not 10 constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15

Claims (20)

1. A user mountable controller for use during sport related activities, comprising: 5 a) a controller housing; b) means for mounting said housing on a user; c) sensor means; 10 d) a digital timer for detecting elapsed time following generation of said first signal or until said angle becomes less than said predetermined angle, and for generating a second 15 signal when a predetermined duration has elapsed; e) means for entering said predetermined negative angle and said predetermined duration; 20 f) a processor in communication with said sensor means, and with said digital timer, for activating said digital timer upon receiving said first signal and for generating an emergency signal upon receiving said second signal to 25 indicate that said user is in actual or impending distress as a result of being disposed at said predetermined negative angle for said predetermined duration; and 30 g) means for wirelessly transmitting said emergency signal.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means further includes an acceleration sensor or an altitude sensor for detecting the acceleration of the user 35 and for generating a third signal when the detected acceleration is greater than a predetermined entered value 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 31 or when a detected change in acceleration is greater than a predetermined entered value, the processor being operable to generate the emergency signal upon receiving the third signal. 5

3. The controller according to claim 1, further including means for setting one or more boundaries of a predetermined range within which the user can safely advance during a sport related activity and the sensor means is further operable to sense when the user has 10 passed outwardly from said one or more boundaries and to generate in response a fourth signal, the processor being operable to generate the emergency signal upon receiving the fourth signal.

4. The controller according to claim 3, further 15 comprising means for entering a starting location of the user, wherein the digital timer is operable to measure time intervals and the processor is operable, based on data sensed by the sensor means, to determine a real time velocity vector which is indicative of motion of the user 20 and for thereby determining a relative location of the user with respect to said starting location during a corresponding time interval.

5. The controller according to claim 4, wherein the processor defines an ending time of a time interval as a 25 time when a change in acceleration of the user is sensed.

6. The controller according to claim 5, wherein the processor is operable to determine a real time velocity vector based on the acceleration sensor and on the orientation sensor. 30

7. The controller according to claim 2, wherein the acceleration sensor is a three-dimensional acceleration sensor for sensing both the magnitude of acceleration and direction of motion of the user during the sport related activity, the processor determining a real time velocity 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 32 vector based on the magnitude of acceleration and direction of motion.

8. The controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor means comprises a GPS unit. 5

9. The controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting means comprises a transceiver assembly by which the wireless signal is transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel.

10 10. The controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting means comprises a sound alert device for emitting an audible alert to the user.

11. The controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting means comprises a 15 transceiver assembly.

12. The controller according to claim 11, wherein the controller housing and transceiver assembly are waterproof, and the controller is mountable on a user disposed in an aquatic environment. 20

13. The controller according to any one of claims 7 to 12, when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the sport related activity is swimming and the means for entering a starting location of the user comprises one or more electrical contacts which sense when a swimmer is first submerged in 25 water, the processor being in communication with said one or more contacts and defining the starting location at a location whereat the swimmer is first submerged in water.

14. The controller according to claim 12, further comprises a depth-meter for measuring the current depth of 30 the user, a depth-meter adjusting button for adjusting a threshold depth, and the digital timer for counting down to a threshold time when the user is submerged deeper than or equal to said threshold depth, whereby the processor 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 33 transmits a signal to a controllable valve connecting between a gas tank and an inflatable part attached to a garment worn by an upper body part of the user to open when said threshold time lapses and the user is submerged 5 deeper than or equal to said threshold depth.

15. The controller according to any one of claims 7 to 12 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the sport related activity is hiking and the processor is also adapted to generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to a 10 receiving station for dispatching safety personnel when the acceleration sensor senses a predetermined increase in acceleration within a predetermined period of time being indicative of a dangerous fall.

16. The controller according to claim 6, wherein the 15 sport related activity is hiking and the processor is also adapted to generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to a receiving station for dispatching safety personnel when the orientation sensor senses a predetermined angular deviation of the longitudinal axis of said hiker within a 20 predetermined period of time being indicative of a dangerous fall.

17. A method for ensuring safe advancement of a user during a sport related activity, comprising the steps of: 25 a) mounting a controller on a user prior to participation in a sport related activity, said controller comprising: i: sensor means including an orientation sensor for sensing an angle of the longitudinal axis of said 30 user with respect to a horizontal plane and for generating a first signal when said angle is greater than a predetermined negative value that is indicative that the head of said user is below the feet of said user; 35 ii: a digital timer for detecting elapsed time 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15 - 34 following generation of said first signal or until said angle becomes less than said predetermined angle, and for generating a second signal when a predetermined duration has elapsed; and 5 iii: a processor in communication with said sensor means and said digital timer; b) performing, by the user, said sport related activity; 10 c) c) generating, by said processor, an emergency signal upon receiving said second signal to indicate that said user is in actual or impending distress as a result of being disposed at said 15 predetermined negative angle for said predetermined duration; and; d) wirelessly transmitting said emergency signal. 20

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the sport related activity is swimming or hiking.

19. A user mountable controller for use during sport related activities, the controller being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying 25 drawings.

20. A method for ensuring safe advancement of a user during a sport related activity, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30 6501202_1 (GHMatters) P82115.AU.2 LEANNE 15/05/15